5 Liver Diseases You Should Know About
The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification, metabolism, and digestion, making it one of the most vital organs in the human body. Still, several diseases can compromise its functioning, which would cause serious medical problems. Early diagnosis and prevention of common liver illnesses depend on knowledge of them.
Here are five liver diseases you should be aware of.
1. Fatty Liver Disease
Extra fat accumulated in the liver causes fatty liver disease. Two forms are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). Whereas AFLD is brought on by too much alcohol, NAFLD is connected to obesity, diabetes, and a lack of physical activity. Early on, fatty liver disease is generally undetectable and shows no symptoms at all. As it advances, though, it may cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, or perhaps cirrhosis.
Untreated fatty liver disease can advance to liver failure, raising the risk of liver cancer and other consequences. As the illness becomes worse, some people may feel tired, have upper right abdominal pain, or have unexplained weight loss. Early stages of the disease can be found with regular doctor visits, liver function testing, and imaging examinations. A good diet, consistent exercise, and avoiding too much alcohol intake help to control this medical condition.
2. Hepatitis
Viral infections, alcohol, toxins, or autoimmune diseases can all cause hepatitis—an inflammation of the liver. Though each form is caused by a different virus, the most often occurring kinds are hepatitis A, B, and C. Usually resolved on its own, Hepatitis A develops from contaminated food or drink. On the other hand, as they can cause liver cancer and chronic liver disease, hepatitis B and C are more severe.
Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contaminated blood. Hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids. Hepatitis A and B can be vaccinated; hepatitis C is not an eligible target for any vaccination. Early detection and treatment are quite crucial if the goal is to prevent major liver damage. Fortunately, many regions have free hep C treatment programs that enable people to obtain potentially life-saving medications.
3. Cirrhosis
One late-stage liver disease marked by irreversible scarring of the liver tissue is cirrhosis. Long-term alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, and chronic liver diseases like hepatitis can all cause this. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells, therefore compromising the liver’s capacity for operation. Along with fatigue, leg swelling, and abdominal fluid accumulation, jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes—defines cirrhosis. While cirrhosis is irreversible, lifestyle modifications, medication, and, in severe cases, a liver transplant can help manage its effects.
4. Liver Cancer
A dangerous disease, liver cancer results from malignant cells growing in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common kind and is associated with cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, chronic liver illnesses (such as hepatitis B and C), and other chronic liver conditions. Although early-stage liver cancer may not show symptoms, as it advances, it can cause weight loss, upper abdomen pain, swelling, and jaundice. Treatment options include targeted therapy, chemotherapy, liver transplantation, and surgery. Survival rates can be greatly raised by early discoveries made during routine medical visits.
5. Wilson’s Disease
The rare genetic condition Wilson’s disease causes extra copper to accumulate in the liver and other tissues. Normally, the liver helps eliminate extra copper from the body, but in those with Wilson’s disease, this process is compromised, leading to a dangerous buildup. Though they vary, symptoms usually include jaundice, tiredness, fluid accumulation, and neurological problems, including tremors and speech trouble. Untreated Wilson’s disease can cause liver failure. Along with dietary changes to lower copper intake, treatment entails lifetime medication to lower copper levels.
Conclusion
If not detected and managed early, liver diseases can lead to severe complications. Some of the greatest strategies to keep your liver healthy are keeping up a good lifestyle and scheduling frequent liver examinations. If you have any symptoms connected to liver disease, you should get medical attention immediately.
